Could the Minnesota Vikings turn to Michael Vick?

Now that Brett Favre isn't an option at quarterback, will the Minnesota Vikings pursue Michael Vick?

Vikings coach Brad Childress will have the most significant say in that decision. Childress, who previously sidestepped the question, is next scheduled to address the media Thursday afternoon in Mankato, Minn.

Two veteran Vikings players, without saying whether the Vikings should sign Vick, said they believe the quarterback has earned a second chance and is a dynamic player.

"He's definitely a talent," cornerback Antoine Winfield said. "He can run, and he can throw. He's an athlete. He'd be an asset to any team.

"But that's not up to me. That's up to the coaches and owners."

Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe described Vick as an "awesome quarterback."

"He did the crime, and he did the time," Shiancoe said. "He got punished, so now his punishment is over."
Profootballtalk.com has an "Anti-Vick List," which lists 18 teams that have clearly indicated they are not interesting in signing Vick. The Vikings are not among those teams.

With Favre announcing Tuesday that he would stay retired, Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels are expected to compete for the Vikings' starting quarterback job.

Vick, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, served 18 months in prison for running a dog-fighting ring, and he was suspended from the NFL in August 2007.

Vick was released from prison in May, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally reinstated him Monday.

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If a team signs him, Vick can immediately take part in training camp, but he would not be able to play in a regular-season game until Week 6 (Oct. 16-18), at the latest.

PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 31: Michael Vick #7 of the Atlanta Falcons scrambles under pressure from Darren Howard #90 of the Philadelphia Eagles in NFL action December 31, 2006 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-17. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)